AI Academy India 2024: IIMA Ventures and Google Empower 22 Startups

IIMA Ventures, in collaboration with Google for Startups, has officially launched the first cohort of the AI Academy India programme, selecting 22 promising AI startups from Gujarat. This initiative is designed to empower these startups with cutting-edge resources to create impactful solutions across sectors such as healthcare, education, fintech, and climate tech.

Empowering Startups with Training and Resources

The selected startups will receive access to practical training, expert mentorship, and Google's AI technologies. Additionally, they will benefit from cloud credits worth up to $350,000, enabling them to accelerate development and scale operations. This comprehensive support system equips startups with the tools and knowledge necessary to innovate and solve real-world challenges effectively.

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Gujarat AI Startups in Focus

The cohort showcases a diverse range of startups, each leveraging AI to drive innovation in their respective sectors:

• MagikKraft: Simplifies drone and robotics programming, making advanced technology more accessible for applications such as agriculture and industrial surveillance.
• MicroHeal: Offers personalized care solutions for gut health, utilizing AI to provide tailored health recommendations and treatments.
• Credin: Promotes financial inclusion by providing digital loans to underserved communities, using AI to assess creditworthiness and streamline the lending process.
• SynerSense: Develops wearable devices for gait analysis, aiding in the rehabilitation and monitoring of patients with mobility issues.
• Trickee: Connects electric vehicle (EV) users with smart charging solutions, fostering sustainable mobility.
• EVINDIA: A social commerce platform for electric vehicles, supporting the adoption and integration of EVs into everyday life.

These startups highlight Gujarat's growing role as a hub for innovation, with the potential to address critical challenges using AI.

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Expanding AI Horizons Nationwide

After its launch in Gujarat, the AI Academy India programme will expand to six other cities through partnerships with prominent institutions, including Kerala Startup Mission, T-Hub in Hyderabad, IIT Delhi, IIM Bangalore, IIT Bombay, and IIT Madras Incubation Cell. This nationwide rollout will provide resources and mentorship to startups across diverse ecosystems, amplifying AI's impact on solving India's unique challenges.

Driving AI Adoption Across Key Sectors

With a focus on empowering AI-driven solutions, the programme aims to contribute to advancements in various industries:

• Healthcare: Startups like Nucleon Health streamline healthcare claims management, reducing administrative burdens for providers.
• Education: Platforms like VedClass and Prepseed offer tailored resources for exam preparation, while Eduberance provides career guidance.
• Fintech: ArgyleEnigma Tech Labs simplifies financial literacy, and SarvDhan improves access to diverse loan options.
• Climate Tech: Companies like Trickee and EVINDIA champion sustainable mobility solutions.

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A Legacy of Supporting Startups

Since its founding in 2002, IIMA Ventures has mentored over 7,000 founders and supported more than 1,700 startups. The AI Academy India initiative adds to this legacy, complementing earlier efforts like the iAccelerator programmeand the climate-focused INFUSE Ventures. By providing structured support and resources, IIMA Ventures and Google for Startups aim to foster sustainable growth and innovation.

The first cohort of the AI Academy India programme marks a significant step toward transforming India into a global AI powerhouse. By supporting startups addressing societal and environmental challenges, IIMA Ventures and Google for Startups are poised to drive impactful changes and nurture a robust startup ecosystem.

A Promising Future for AI-Driven Innovation in India

The AI Academy India 2024 initiative by IIMA Ventures and Google for Startups is a milestone in nurturing AI innovation in India. By empowering startups with the right tools, mentorship, and resources, this programme aims to create solutions that tackle pressing challenges in healthcare, education, fintech, and climate tech. As the programme expands nationwide, it promises to amplify AI's impact across the country, positioning India as a leader in the global AI landscape. The future looks promising as these startups rise to the challenge, driving sustainable growth and transformative innovations.